I love Cath Kidston bags – or at least, I love the 1950s prints – but I am not so keen on the prices. Then I discovered that the Lee Cooper jeans brand has produced a range of Kidston-esque bags and purses in all shapes and sizes.

Like Cath Kidston bags, they are oilcloth (or vinyl, as it is known to us lesser mortals). Like Cath Kidston bags, they come in gorgeous 1950s prints. And like Cath Kidston bags, they are good quality. In fact, the biggest difference as far as I can tell is that the Lee Cooper bags are less than half the price of the Cath Kidston ones.

Where did I find them? Sports Direct, of all places. It isn’t my usual hangout, because I’m not very sporty and a passion for vintage 1950s fashion doesn’t really mesh with Nike Air. But Sports Direct does some good discounts, so I recently found myself in a local basement store with my husband, hunting down some bargain trainers. While he sorted out his shoes (Dunlop, £14.99 in case you were wondering), I went for a wander and came across the Cath Kidston Lee Cooper bags pictured above.

There are plenty more in the range: shoppers, cross-body bags, a laptop bag and purses. The discounts in-store are also available online, and you can find more of the Cath Kidston Lee Cooper bags here.

meet miss thrifty

Miss Thrifty is a woman on a mission. She lives in Greater Manchester, UK, and never pays full price for anything. Spend less, live within your means and get out of debt - without resorting to recycling teabags. Read more >